Recently, I signed up to review a new book called Maximum Ride: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports via MotherTalk. I love to read, as I've mentioned I'm sure, and I decided that since I'm out of college and all I'm going to actually start reading for pleasure again. I've never read any of the Harry Potter books and this series is supposed to be THE series to replace Harry Potter. So I'm a bit backward I guess, but whatever.
The book is written by James Patterson and I have to say, I liked it. I didn't love it, but I liked it.
The reasons I didn't love it are probably pretty persnickety, to be fair. I haven't read the first two books in the series and I'm fairly certain I should have. I didn't really understand what was going on at first and I imagine I would have, if I had read the first two books. Granted, there was a brief synopsis of what was going on early on in the book. Of course, that was part of what annoyed me about the book. I really dislike reading a book and being reminded by a character in a book that I'm reading a book. And in chapter two, that's exactly what happened. Also? Some of the chapters were extremely short. One or two pages. To me, that's not a chapter. Yeah, I know, this book is for kids. Kids probably want a short chapter. But don't insult their intelligence.
But okay, all that being said? I liked it. I really think my son and daughter would like it and I think I'll probably pass it on to my thirteen year old niece.
A lot of the lingo is, um, familiar to me. (Yes, I talk like I'm fourteen, I know. Gah!) I think others, read: those who are annoyed by my blog, might find it a bit trite. I have to give James Patterson mad props for attempting to write in the voice of a teen age girl though. That takes guts. I like his "adult" stuff and I think it's difficult for any writer to branch out in another genre, but he does it quite well.
The book features a strong female lead, (Max) which I do not require but do appreciate in my reading.
The story is a quick read and it keeps the reader interested and motivated to read more. I read it in a weekend and could have read it much quicker (stupid laundry and cooking!). Also, one of the main characters, Fang, writes in a blog frequently and the blog actually exists. And it's actually alright to read! I really, really, really thought that was cool idea. I'm going to sound like I'm two hundred when I say this, but I think it's really important that a writer stay current with what is interesting to kids now. Okay, now Harry Potter doesn't do that, but apparently no one cares. Everyone else needs to though.
I would recommend it for kids who are the age of Boy Child and Girl Child (9) and probably even to kids who are pre-teens to around 15. Maybe older teens would like it too. I can't figure out teenagers.
I don't know if it will ever replace Harry Potter though. That wizard, apparently, has got it going on.
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8 comments:
Great, now I'm humming. . .
"Harry Potter's got it going on. . ."
Ack.
It's supposed to replace Harry Potter, really? You think?
What do I know, I've never read Harry Potter or this book you did a review on, but I might.
In my older years I enjoy a good read!
Happy Tuesday!
Hey, I don't know about the James Patterson book, but I own all the Harry Potters (although I cannot seem to locate the first one at the moment), and you may borrow them whenever you'd like.
Very interesting. It sounds like James Patterson must be quite jiggy to get the slang all the mondo cool kids are using. Groovy! I'll give it the 411. (I wrote enough there to make my kids scream - they really love it when I say "True dat, homie," which evidently isn't quite how that saying goes.) LOL!
Now your talking my language!James Patterson rocks the partae, I have read every one of his books. A bit of fyi......... The reason he writes his chapters so short is because he wants the reader to say just one more chapter and then i"ll go make dinner giggle. You really should have read the first two maximum ride books.
I'm reviewing this too. I think on the 15th? anyway, I bought books 1 and 2 and read them first. I think I would have been completely lost without it. Glad you liked this one! Won't replace HP though. Not by a long shot.
I am also reviewing this book - but not until Aug. 29. I plan to read it next week on vacation.
Ah, yes, I love these books.
WAAAAY better than the Harry Potter Books.
By a long shot.
A VERY long shot.
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